Video David Villa Scores Stunner In New York Derby Hat Trick

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So it seemed fitting that the New York City FC captain rose to the occasion Sunday at Yankee Stadium, netting a hat trick as his side earned a 3-2 victory over the rival New York Red Bulls.

Villa opened the scoring in the 28th minute, getting behind the Red Bulls back line and rounding Luis Robles after connecting with a fortuitous deflection off teammate Alexander Ring.

A pair of Bradley Wright-Phillips strikes then put the Red Bulls in front before Villa drew NYCFC level with a 72nd-minute stunner, collecting the ball near midfield, darting down the right flank and cutting inside to bury the equalizer.

And Villa completed his hat trick three minutes later, drawing a penalty on Red Bulls defender Sal Zizzio before coolly slotting home from the spot.

NYCFC improved to 12-7-4 with the win, opening up a five-point lead over the 11-9-2 Red Bulls for third in the Eastern Conference.